US Bridges

US 281 over Woods Creek

Good

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 1.7 MI N of US 180 · Structure no. 021820024908041

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,975
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Woods Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Woods Creek in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,975 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,740 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesWoods Creek
Location1.7 MI N of US 180
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates32.83166, -98.10982
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,975 (2024)
Projected traffic5,740 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Woods Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 over Woods Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 over Woods Creek carry?

About 3,975 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Woods Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 281 over Woods Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.